Electrolytic apparatus.



L. H. A. B. M. HAZARD-PLAMAND. ELECTROLYTIC APPARATUS. APPLICATION II LBD FEB. 6, 1911,

1,003,456Q Patented Sept. 19,1911.

Atty.

UNITED STAES PATENT OFFICE.

.LOUIS n. A. 3. M. HAZARn-FLAMAND, or

. TO INTERNATIONAL BoULo'GNn-soR-snINE,

FRANCE, ASSIGNOB, OXYGEN COMPANY.

ELECTROLYTIC APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent. Application filed February 6, 1911.

Patented Sept. 19, 1911. Serial No. 606,810.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, LoUIs H. A. B. M. HAZARD-FLAMAND, a citizen of the French Republic, residing at Boulognesur- Seine,

France, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrolytic Apparatus, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the a ccompanying drawings, Which form a part thereof.

My invention relates to electrolytic appa-- ratus and more particularly to a type thereof, adapted to disassociate oxygen and hydrogen in commercial quantities by electrolysis, and embodying therein a diaphragm for maintaining a gas proof partition between the electrodes.

The main object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of this character which will operate continuously and pro duce substantially pure oxygen and substan tially pure hydrogen without likelihood of a commingling of these gases after the decomposition of the electrolyte.

A further object is to provide an apparatus wherein the electrolyte will be maintained at substantially uniform strength to insure uniformity in the operation of the apparatus.

A still further object is to provide an apparatus of this character, wherein the electrolyte will not be exposed to the air, so as to avoid an increase in the resistance of the current through a chemical change in the electrolyte due to such exposure or contact.

A still further apparatus wherein lyte adjacent to the object is to provide an the body of the electroanode and that adjacent to the cathode will be prevented from commingling freely, and thusminimize likeli hood of the bubbles formed by the hydrogen gas or by the oxygen gas passing about the water seal separating those parts-of the apparatus which may be termed the hydrogen takeoff chamber and the oxygen take-off chamber.

A still further object is to provide an apparatus of this character wherein the electrodes will have sufficient surface capac-- formationof a scale thereon from continuedv operation of the apparatus.

A still further object-is to provide an apparatus wherein the take-off. mechanism will embody therein means for washing the respective gases, and at the same time afiord Visual indicators for determining the efficiency of the paratus at any time. I

A still furt er object is to provide an apparatus wherein the generating apparatus proper will, be protected against back-firing through take-ofi mechanism in case of the accidental firing of the stored gases.

A'still further object is to provide an apparatus wherein the electrolyte may be circulated freely in and about the anode and the oxygen formed upon said anode may find a free course to the out-take.

A still further object is to provide a takeoff mechanism which Will maintain a constant pressure within the generator'irrespectiveof anyvariation in the pressure of the holder.

A still further object is to provide an apparatus wherein, in case of stoppage of the take-off mechanism, the gases will be automatically vented to ment of dangerous pressure Within the apparatus. And a still further object is to provide an apparatus which will not require the constant attention of the operator.

The invention consists in the'novel features of construction and combination of parts hereinafter set forth and described, and moreparticularly pointed out in the claims hereto appended.

In the accompanying drawing, I have shown an apparatus embodying my invention, said apparatus being shown partly in elevation and partly in section to disclose the interior construction thereof.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in the drawings, t-he cathode a is in the form of a tank having an open top about which is formed a trough 5 adapted to cooperate with a pendant flange 0 upon a closure 0, in forming a gas tight joint about the top of said tank, said trough being filled avoid the develop-- with oil in sufficient quantit to form a erfeet liquid seal aboutthe ange c.

municating with this trough IS -a tank by means of which the quantity of oil in the trough maybe determined and the oil cover 0 has 'peii'dan atherefrom, parallel to,

and concentric with the flange c, a second flange (Z adapted to separate the interior of said cover so as to form two distinct chambers, an oxygen chamber within the flange I d and a hydrogen chamber between said flange and the flange 0'.

The eoverc is gas tight and is provided with off-take ducts 'c and 1 upon opposite sides of the flanged, through which: respectively, the oxygen and the hydrogen are drawn from the. chambers above referred to. Pendant from, and sustained by, the cover 0 is a distributer' for the electrolyte comprising three concentric troughs, h i j, one of which, as z', communicates with the other two at one point of the circumference thereof through the ports j k, and the other which troughs h and j, communicate through the ports 71. 3' respectively, with the oxygen chamber and with the hydrogen chamber at a point substantially diametrically opposite to the ports 9" h, thus causing the maximum circulation of the electrolyte or diluent prior to its commingling with-the electrolyte already within the apparatus. Discharging into the trough 6 adjacent to the ports h and j is a 'duct is, leading from a tank formed upon, and opening upwardly of, the closure 0. By this means the electrolyte in the first instance, or a fresh supply of, distilled'water, to replace the water in the decomposed electrolyte, may be chargedinto the apparatus; and in case of stoppage of the off-take mechan'sm or pipe, said gases are permitted to escape into the atmosphere to prevent the development of dangerous conditions within the apparatus. The supports for this distributer consist of a plurality-of screw threaded rods Z. These rods are supported from the closure 0 by means of an insulated joint and are attached to the said distributer by a similar joint, so as to permit them to be used as poles for the anode m which they also support. If desired, however, separate supports may be used for this anode and this distributer, although such are not necessary when the distributer and theclosure are properly insulated from a" support common to both of these parts.

The anode m comprises a steel cup having a plurality of. openings m there-' through, both as to the sides and bottom thereof, so as to permit a free circulation of the electrolyte in and about it, steel bein used to cause any deposit formed through, the decomposition of' the electrolytelto fall from the surface of the anode instead of accumulating thereon in the form ofa scale and thus increasing the resistance of the anode The freecirculation of the electrolyte about the anode tends to preserve a uniform condition and strength of electrolyte. top as shown in the drawings.

Encircling and attached to the dist libuter is a cup-shaped diaphragm n completely inclosing, but spaced slightly away from, the anode m, which diaphragm is of absorptive material, preferably pure asbestos, so as to become impregnated with the electrolyte to an extent to form a conductor for the electric current and at the same time form a gas tight partition between the anode and the cathode.

By the foregoing description it will be seen that the anode and the diaphragm al-.

ways have a fixed relative position as they are both supported from the distributer.

The tank a is provided with a drain port, closed by the plug a, and carries a binding post a by means of which it may be connected to the negative pole of a source of electrical supply. The tank a constitutes the cathode of the couple forming the cell, and it is therefore essential to insulate this tank to avoid short eireuitiug, or the grounding of the current.

To indicate the operating conditions within the apparatus and also to wash the gases, I provide the lanterns 0--p, conimunicating respectively with the off-take leads 6 Within each of these lanterns is a looped extension o-p' of the leads 0 f respectively, which opens downwardly below the level of a body of water maintained in saidv lanterns. Preferably the entire cylindrical portion of the lanterns 0 7? is of transparent glass to enable the operator to determine visually the level of the water within the lantern, and alsothe apparent volume of gas passing therethrough as indicated by the bubbles. Said lanterns are gas tight and extending from the tops thereof, respectively, are pipes 0" and 7) leading to a gasomcter or other point of delivery of the gases. Mounted-adjacent to'the lanterns 0 p is a water tank 9 from which water is supplied to the said lanterns through the pipes g7 g This tank is so placed to cause a water feed to the lan- The anode m is open at theterns by gravity, which also permits the i of the various joints being immaterial to Oil may be safely used in this connection as the invention. I I The operation of the herein described apparatusis substant'ally as follows :-The anode mand diaphragm n, are secured -within'the"closure c by the rods Z, and the said closureqmounted upon'and insulated from the tank or cathode a. The various connections With the lanterns 0 p are then made and the apparatus is'ready for use. The trough b is first filled with oil by f means of the tank 0 and electrolyte discharged into the tank a upon both sides of the diaphragm by means of the tank In and duct 70. The electrolyte passing to the tank I first enters the trough z in which it flows to a point diametrically opposite the point of delivery to said trough until it reaches the ports j hvthrough which it flows to the troughs k'j in which it must circulate an equal distance before reaching the discharge ports [a and j through which it flows upon opposite sides of the diaphragm. It will be observed that while the electrolyte flows from one original source, the tank is, the electrolyte is so divided by means of the trough 2' as to form a liquid seal about this said trough, and that the two branches of the divided. current are caused to respectively traverse of delivery to the trough and the discharge therefrom, for a distance sufiicient to cause either the hydrogen or the oxygen to separate themselves from the current in the trough before they reach apoint Where they may enter the trough z'. Each day a supply of distilled water is discl arged into the apparatus to replace that decomposed by the continued operation of the apparatus, and the construction and arrangement of troughs above referred to operate at all times to prevent a commingling of the oxygen and hydrogen within the trough i whence either gas might pass to the chamber designed to receivev the other.

. The flange d 'at all times prevents the com mingling of oxygen and hydrogen rising to the top of the apparatus.

While the current is on, it passes from the anode m to the cathode a, the diaphragm a offering no material resistance to said current. This flow of the current decomposes the electrolyte, the oxygen being dissociated from the hydrogen adjacent to the anode m, and the hydrogen being dissociated from the oxygen adjacent to the'cathode a, the freed gases accumulating upon the surface of their-respective electrodes in the form of bubbles which rise through the volume of electrolyte and accumulate respectively within the flnage d and between said flange and the flange c, the diaphragm a holding these-id gases apart below the said flange d. The oil 35 cape of such gas about the top of the tank a.

Inasmuch as the 'trolyte carried by drawn from the lanterns being substantially an open trough between the point Isaid electrodes, of the top of said diaphragm, means constantly delivering the agent to bedecom posed to the inner of said seals, said inner seal in the trough b prevents the es only hydrogen can contact therewith.

As the gases accumulate Within "their respective chambers, they flow to the lanterns 0 p where they are washed and delivered or withdrawn through the pipes 0 p The gas delivered to the lanterns raises the pressure therein above the normal water level to an extent to force some of said Water to the tank 9, the leads g+g being normally open. pressure developed rarely exceeds from 3 to 4 ounces to the square inch, there will always'be a water level within said lanterns sufficiently high to cover the discharge ends of the extensions 0 These lanterns remove any trace of the electhe gases, the product pure, any impurities being merely traces in one gas of the other gas.

f stoppage should occur in the off-take system, the pressure in the gas chambers will rise until both gases will force their way to atmosphere through the trough 2' and duct 70, the gaseswithin the apparatus never commingling. The sameresult follows if-the level of the electrolyte charge of the duct'lc.

The diaphragm n being cup-shaped, eliminates any possibility of the gas bubbles raches below the disforming in the bottom of the tank a passing to the oxygen chamber, and

at the same time permits the increase of the effective surface of both the anode and the cathode by the use of a. cup-shaped anode. 4 7

The openings in the anode permit a free circulation of the electrolyte about same, and also'permit the oxygen accumulating upon the anode to have an easy course to the accumulating chamber at the top of the tank a, where it may readily pass through the off-take. i

It is not my intention to limit myself to the exact details of construction'shown in the drawings, it being apparent that such may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim'as new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent, is

1. In an' electrolytic apparatus of the character described, the combination with the electrodes, of an absorbent diaphragm between said electrodes, a fluid seal about both sides of the top of said'diaphragm, and means simultaneously delivering the agent to be decomposed on opposite sides of said diaphragm.

2; In an electrolytic apparatus of the character describedpthe combination with the electrodes of a di'aphragn'i' between a fluid seal about both sides seal being in communication with opposite sides of said diaphragm, andmeans whereby said agent is caused to circulate about said inner seal between the point of delivery thereto and of discharge therefrom.

' posed to one of the seals of said double seal,

one of said seals being in communication ;with the other, and said other seal having an opening therein communicating respectively with opposite sides of said diaphragm whereby said agent is caused to circulate from one portion of said double seal to the other before being discharged therefrom about the electrodes.

4. In an electrolytic apparatus of the character described, the combination with the electrodes of a diaphragm between said electrodes, an outer fluid seal about said diaphragm and an inner fluid seal comprisin a plurality of concentric troughs arranged one' within the other, the inner of said troughs having ports therein communicating with the outer trough and the outer trough having ports therein whereby fluid delivered to said first named trough will be caused to circulate in said'last named trough and to be delivered upon opposite sides of said diaphragm, an means constantly delivering the agent to be decomposed into said first named trough. I

5. In an electrolytic apparatus of the character described, the combination with an outer cup-shaped electrode, and an inner cup-shaped electrode, of a cup-shaped diaphragm disposed between said electrodes, a fluid seal about both sides of the top of said diaphragm, and means simultaneously delivering the agent to be decomposed upon opposite sides of said diaphragm.

'6. In an electrolytic apparatus of the character described, the combination with an outer cup-shaped electrode, and an inner cup-shaped electrode, havinga plurality of openings extending therethrough, of a cup shaped diaphragm disposed between said electrodes, a fluid seal about both sides of the top of said diaphragm, and means simultaneously delivering the agent to be decomposed upon opposite sides of said diaphragm.

'7. In an electrolytic apparatus of the character described, the combination with the electrodes of. an absorbent diaphragm between said electrodes, a fluid seal about both sides of the top of said diaphragm, said seal having ports therein whereby the 5' agent to be decomposed is simultaneously delivered upon both sides of said diaphragm, a tank containing the agent to be decomposed, and a duct whereby'the agent is delivered from said tank to the inner of said seals. I A

8. In an electrolytic apparatus of the character described, the combination with a tank forming one electrode, of a cupshaped steel electrode suspended within said tank, a cup-shaped absorbent diaphragm between said electrodes, a trough about the top of said tank, a closure having a pendant flange. entering said trough whereby a fluid seal is formed about the top of said tank, a trough inclosed by the top of said diaphragm and pendant from said closure, said closure having a pendant flange concentric with said first named flange whereby a second fluid seal is formed about the top of said diaphragm, said flanges forming independent gas chambers at the top of said tank, take-oil means communicating respectively with said chambers, and means delivering the fluid to be decomposed to the trough about the top of said diaphragm whereby said fluid -is simultaneously discharged upon opposite sides of said diaphragm.

9. In an electrolytic apparatus of the character described, the combination with the electrodes of a diaphragm between said electrodes, a fluid seal about the top of one of said electrodes and about the top of said diaphragm, means in conjunction with said last named seal forming non-communicat-j ing gas chambers upon opposite sides of said diaphragm, off-take pipes leading from said chambers respectively, lanterns into which said oiT-take pipes respectively discharge, said lanterns containing a washing fluid, an inverted looped. discharge end of said off-take pipes within said lanterns whereby the gases are discharged into the water insaid lanterns, and take-oft pipes communicating with said lanterns above the water level therein.

10. In an electrolytic apparatus of the character described, the combination with the electrodes of a diaphragm between said electrodes, a fluid seal about the top of one of said electrodes and about the top of said diaphragm, means in conjunction with said last named seal forming non-communicating gas chambers upon opposite sides of 7 said diaphragm, ofi-take pipes leading from said chambers respectively, lanterns into which said oil-take pipes respectively discharge, said lanterns containing a washing fluid, an inverted looped discharge end of said off-take pipes within said lanterns, whereby the gases are discharged into the water in said lanterns, take-oil pipes communicating with said lanterns above the water level therein, a tank containing said washing fluid, and pipe leads from said tank to said lanterns whereby the fluid lQ Cr oos tee in said lanterns may be automatically varied delivering the agent to be decomposed u aen y the pressure of the gases discharged opposite of said diaphragm thereinto. In witness whereof, l have liereunte 11. In an electrolytic apparatus of the aflixed my signature, in the presence of twe character described, the combination with Witnesses, this 2tth day of January, 1911 the electrodes of a cup-shaped absorbent LOUIS H. A, 13, M. HAZARE-FLAMAND. diaphragm incloslng one of said electrodes, Witnesses: a fluid seal about both sides of the top of DEAN B. Mason,

said diaphragm, and means simultaneously SAMUEL KELLLER. 

